In a strongly-worded statement released yesterday, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, expressed profound disappointment and a sense of betrayal following the federal government’s recent decision to increase the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The NLC President criticized the government for what he described as a “clandestine” move, which he argued was contrary to assurances previously given to Nigerian workers.
“We are filled with a deep sense of betrayal as the federal government clandestinely increases the pump price of PMS,” Ajaero stated. He explained that the NLC had agreed to a national minimum wage of N70,000 with the understanding that there would be no increase in the fuel price. “One of the reasons for accepting N70,000 as the national minimum wage was the understanding that the pump price of PMS would not be increased, even as we knew that N70,000 was not sufficient,” he lamented.
Ajaero recalled a meeting with President Tinubu, where two stark choices were presented: a minimum wage of N250,000 subject to a significant hike in fuel prices, or N70,000 with the fuel price remaining unchanged. “We opted for the latter because we could not bring ourselves to accept further punishment on Nigerians,” he said. However, Ajaero expressed dismay that barely a month later, the government has failed to keep its promise.
The NLC President described the government’s decision as “both traumatic and nightmarish.” He criticized the government’s handling of the fuel subsidy removal, arguing that the policy was poorly conceived and executed. “When we told the government that its approach to resolving the fuel subsidy contradictions was patently faulty and would not last, its front-row cheerleaders sneered at us, saying we did not understand basic economics,” Ajaero remarked.
Several other stakeholders have also voiced their concerns. A civil society leader, Harford Fregene, described the government’s actions as “a betrayal of the Nigerian people’s trust,” adding that the government has failed to protect the most vulnerable citizens. Meanwhile, Dr. Uche Obiajulu, an economist, noted that the timing of the fuel price increase could further weaken the economy. “This price hike, coming at a time when inflation is already high, will exacerbate the economic hardship faced by Nigerians,” Obiajulu warned.
Ajaero pointed out that this perceived betrayal by the government was not an isolated incident. “This act of betrayal is consistent with the character of this government,” he asserted, recalling previous assurances from the National Assembly leadership on a 250% electricity tariff hike, which were not honored. “Instead of the promised reversal, the rate has since been jerked up further, putting more Nigerians and businesses in jeopardy,” he added.
In response to these developments, the NLC is demanding an immediate reversal of the latest fuel price hike and a halt to what they see as the government’s “culture of terror, fear, and lying.” The union is also calling for the release of all individuals detained in connection with recent protests against the government’s policies. “We demand the immediate release of all those incarcerated or being prosecuted on the assumption of having participated in the recent protests,” Ajaero demanded.
Human rights activist, Nwabueze Ugwu, has echoed the NLC’s concerns, condemning the government’s actions as a violation of citizens’ rights. “The government’s crackdown on peaceful protesters and the arbitrary arrests show a blatant disregard for democratic principles and human rights,” Falana asserted.
The NLC further accused the government of undermining democratic processes and stifling dissent through aggressive tactics by security agencies. “The police and other security agencies have since been on a rampage terrorizing the citizenry in pursuance of the government’s agenda of muzzling lawful dissent,” Ajaero stated. “In brazen pursuit, they have defamed and libeled not a few individuals,” he continued.
Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya, a political scientist, criticized the government’s approach as counterproductive. “Instead of addressing the root causes of the protests and economic grievances, the government is opting for a more repressive stance, which could lead to further instability,” Adesanya cautioned.
Ajaero assured Nigerians that the NLC would not back down from its demands. “We promise Nigerians that we at the Nigeria Labour Congress will not be cowed into submission,” he vowed, emphasizing the union’s commitment to standing with the people against perceived government oppression.
The NLC’s call for action includes a reversal of the electricity tariff hike and an end to what it describes as policies that foster hunger and insecurity. “We insist that government cannot criminalize protests or basic rights in the domain of the citizenry,” Ajaero declared.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the government to see if it will respond to the NLC’s demands. The NLC has promised to take further action, stating, “In the coming days, the appropriate organs of the Congress will be meeting to take appropriate decisions which will be made public.” Gmtnewsng.com
